The 23-year-old's social media profile revealed he had travelled throughout Europe, Canada, China and Japan.

In an online modelling profile, Mr Ardoin spoke of his desire from an early age to explore the world.

"When you grow up in a village, far from everything and that most of the opportunities happen in big cities, you have to do your best to leave the place where you are without forgetting your origins," he wrote.

He also praised his parents, who he said worked hard and supported his dreams.

"I remember when I was 12 years old and I told my parents that I wanted to travel and discover the world that surrounded me, they immediately encouraged me to do my best to succeed," he wrote.

Detective Superintendent Gavin Dengate, the New South Wales Police Corporate Sponsor for the safety and welfare of international students, said the incident was a sad reminder of Australia's dangers.

"It was a tragedy yesterday and what comes with Australia being regarded - and we all know - as one of the most beautiful countries in the world, if we don't respect the beauty, tragedy can happen," he said.

It took police, SES volunteers and Fire and Rescue officers six hours to recover his body.